Portable bidet system

ABSTRACT

A bidet system is portable and allows a user to conveniently clean and freshen the external vaginal area. The portable bidet system of the present invention comprises a bottle configured to receive a predetermined amount of water. The bottle includes a temperature gauge which allows a user to assess a temperature of the water. The system also comprises a pre-measured amount of cleansing concentrate which form a cleansing liquid when mixed with the water. A cap is coupled to the bottle, which includes an opening to allow for release of the cleansing liquid.

CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATION(S)

This application claims priority to U.S. Provisional Pat. App. No.61/212,547, filed Apr. 13, 2009, which is hereby incorporated byreference in its entirety.

BACKGROUND

This invention relates to a portable bidet system. More particularly,this invention relates to a portable bidet system for cleansing andfreshening the external vaginal area.

Today, specialized products are available to cleanse and freshen nearlyall parts of the human body. However, there are not many products areavailable for targeted cleansing and freshening of the external vaginalarea. As such, non-specific use products designed for cleaning otherparts of the body (e.g. body washes, shampoos, bar soaps) are used onthe vaginal area.

It is important not to upset the body's natural chemistry when cleansingthe vaginal area. The pH of the external vaginal area is optimally about4.0 to 5.0. Most non-specific use products, like bar soap, have a pH ofaround 10.0. Therefore, when these products are used for cleansing theexternal vaginal area, the natural pH of the body is compromised.Disturbing the natural pH of this area may lead to the growth ofbacteria or yeast, which results in bladder infections, interstitialcystitis, low grade infections and general discomfort. In addition, mostnon-specific use products contain irritants, which affect overallvaginal health.

Since the vaginal area is very sensitive, it is important to not exposethe area to extreme heat or cold. Normal body temperature is about 98.6degrees Fahrenheit. In order to ensure maximum comfort, the temperatureof a cleaning solution applied to the external vaginal area should beclose to normal body temperature. However, currently available cleansersare usually room temperature when applied. Additionally, it ischallenging to successfully assess the temperature of a cleaningsolution that is heated prior to application.

Finally, while most personal care is done in the shower, it is sometimesdesirable to clean and freshen the external vaginal area while away fromthe home. A bidet is a low bathroom fixture, which includes a watersupply and is designed to cleanse the genital area. However, bidets arenot commonly available in commercial restrooms. Therefore, without thisoption, privacy issues make it difficult to properly cleanse the vaginalarea while on the go.

SUMMARY

The present invention is a bidet system that is portable and allows auser to conveniently clean and freshen the external vaginal area. Theportable bidet system of the present invention comprises a bottleconfigured to receive a predetermined amount of water. The bottleincludes a temperature gauge which allows a user to assess a temperatureof the water. The system also comprises a pre-measured amount ofcleansing concentrate which form a cleansing liquid when mixed with thewater. A cap is coupled to the bottle, which includes an opening toallow for release of the cleansing liquid.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

FIG. 1 is a perspective view of a portable bidet system.

FIGS. 2A-2C illustrate an embodiment of a temperature gauge comprised ofthermochromic ink for the portable bidet system.

FIGS. 3A and 3B illustrate an embodiment of a cap for the portable bidetsystem.

FIG. 4 is a flow diagram illustrating a method of cleansing an externalvaginal area with the portable bidet system.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

FIG. 1 is a perspective view of portable bidet system 10, which may beused to cleanse and freshen the external vaginal area. Shown are bottle12, temperature gauge 14, cap 16 and cleansing concentrate 18. Bidetsystem 10 is designed to be portable in order to allow for use whileaway from the home.

Bottle 12 is configured to receive a liquid, such as water, and includestemperature gauge 14. In a preferred embodiment, bottle 12 has acapacity of at least about 8 ounces. Bottle 12 should be formed of aflexible, polymeric material to assist in the release of a containedliquid when forced is applied to the outer walls of bottle 12.Temperature gauge 14 is included on bottle 12 to allow a user to assessthe temperature of a liquid contained by bottle 12. Temperature gaugemay be applied to either bottle 12 directly or to an affixed label.Since the external vaginal area is very sensitive, it is necessary tocarefully monitor the temperature of any vaginal cleaning solutionbefore it is applied. Temperature gauge 14 is explained in more detailwith reference to FIGS. 2A-2C.

Cap 16 is coupled to bottle 12 and is designed to have both a closedconfiguration and an open configuration. When cap 16 is in the closedconfiguration, bottle 12 may be shaken in order to mix a containedliquid while preventing release of the liquid from bottle 12. When cap16 is in the open configuration, liquid contained within bottle 12 maybe released from bottle 12 through an opening in cap 16. Release may beaccomplished by tipping bottle 12 so that the liquid pours out or byapplying pressure to bottle 12 which results in the liquid being forcedout of an opening in cap 18 in which results in a spray. Cap 16 isexplained in more detail with reference to FIGS. 3A and 3B.

Cleansing concentrate 18 is pre-measured and is provided in a packet orother container for a user's convenience. Cleansing concentrate 18 maybe in liquid or powdered form and is intended to be mixed with apre-determined amount of water to form a cleansing liquid. In apreferred embodiment, cleansing concentrate is pre-measured to be mixedwith eight ounces of water. Line W indicates the level at which a usershould add water to bottle 12 in order to fill bottle 12 with apre-determined amount of water. As can be seen from the position of LineW, bottle 12 should be filled with water to approximately shoulder levelof bottle 12. When the correct amount of water is obtained and the userdetermines that the water is the correct temperature (by usingtemperature gauge 14), cleansing concentrate 18 may be added to bottle12.

Since cleaning solutions applied to the vaginal area should have a pH ofabout 4.0 to 5.0 in order to complement the natural pH of the area,resulting cleansing concentrate 18 preferably has a pH of about 4.0 toabout 5.0. In addition, cleansing concentrate 18 is hypo-allergenic and,therefore, does not contain harsh detergents, caustic agents, or highlyirritating ingredients. Cleansing concentrate 18 is a blend of vegetableand mineral-derived ingredients. Soothing active ingredients such asavena sativa (oat) kernel extract, cucumis sativus (cucumber) fruitextract, chamomile recutita (matricaria) flower extract, rosa gallicaflower extract (French rose), and aloe baradensis leaf extract (aloevera) may be added to cleansing concentrate 18, which are gentle enoughto be applied to the external vaginal area. In addition, conditioningagents for hair and skin, such as Panthanol, may also be included incleansing concentrate 18.

Additionally, cleansing concentrate 18 may be infused with a fragrance,which does not have an alcohol base, but is water soluble. The fragranceis a pure essential oil or contains pure essential oils. The fragranceshould compliment the naturally occurring odor of the vagina as a resultof a woman's bodily functions, rather than mask the odor. The selectedfragrance may include antibacterial, odor absorbent, calming, soothingand aphrodisiacal properties. In a preferred embodiment, cleansingconcentrate 18 contains a fragrance having a basil/pink grapefruitaroma. Basil has a licorice scent and has analgesic properties and itschlorophyll component makes it a deodorizer. Also, basil is recommendedfor use in relieving menstrual cramps. Pink grapefruit has a sweetcitrus aroma and has antiseptic and cleansing properties.

FIGS. 2A-2C illustrate a preferred embodiment of temperature gauge 14 ascomprised of thermochromic ink. Thermochromism is the ability of asubstance to change color as a result of a change in temperature.Therefore, thermochromic ink is a temperature sensitive ink that changesin response to heat or cold. As shown, in FIGS. 2A-2C, temperature gauge14 changes when hot water is added to a bottle on which it is printed.Temperature gauge 14 is comprised of an opaque image layered over analternative image. Temperature gauge 14 has three unique appearances,which depend upon the temperature of the bottle.

FIG. 2A illustrates the appearance of temperature gauge 14 when thetemperature of the bottle is lower than about 98 degrees Fahrenheit. InFIG. 2A, temperature gauge 14 appears as a bold triangle.

FIG. 2B illustrates the appearance of temperature gauge 14 when thetemperature of the bottle is about 98 degrees Fahrenheit to about 100degrees Fahrenheit. In FIG. 2A, temperature gauge 14 has faded to revealan alternative worded image superimposed upon the triangle image.

FIG. 2C illustrates the appearance of temperature gauge 14 when thetemperature of the bottle is higher than about 98 degrees Fahrenheit. InFIG. 2C, temperature gauge 14 appears as a faded triangle containing afaded alternative worded image superimposed on the triangle image.

FIGS. 3A and 3B illustrate a preferred embodiment of cap 16. As shown,cap 16 is a “disk-type” cap. Cap 16 includes cap body 20, disk top 22and opening 24. As illustrated in FIG. 3A, cap 16 is in a closedconfiguration with disk top 22 positioned flush against cap body 20. Asillustrated in FIG. 3B, cap 16 is in an open configuration. This isaccomplished by applying pressure on a first side of disk top 22 so thatdisk top 22 tilts such that a second side of disk top 22, which containsopening 24, is raised. When disk top 22 is tilted, opening 24 isuncovered to allow for the release of a liquid contained in the bottleto which cap 16 is coupled.

FIG. 4 is a flow diagram illustrating method 30 of cleansing an externalvaginal area. Method 30 includes steps 32-48 and initially involvesadding lukewarm water to a bottle (step 32). Lukewarm water is usedbecause the external vaginal area is very sensitive and the water shouldbe close to normal body temperature (between about 98 degrees Fahrenheitand about 100 degrees Fahrenheit). Instructions provided with thecleansing system will specify to what level water should be added to thebottle in order to fill the bottle with a pre-determined amount ofwater. Therefore, lukewarm water is added to the bottle until themeniscus reaches the specified level, such as to the shoulder area ofthe bottle. In a preferred embodiment, about 8 ounces of lukewarm wateris added to the bottle. However, the invention is not so limited andmore or less water may be added depending on the amount of cleansingconcentrate provided with the system.

The temperature of the water is then assessed using a temperature gaugeprovided on the bottle (step 34). In a preferred embodiment, thetemperature gauge is comprised of thermochromic ink which changes inintensity in response to heat. Prior to adding lukewarm water to thebottle, the temperature gauge has a bold appearance because thetemperature of the bottle is lower than 98 degrees Fahrenheit. Aslukewarm water is added, the temperature gauge should ideally fade toreveal an alternative image superimposed upon the initial image. Thischange in appearance indicates that the water in the bottle is about 98degrees Fahrenheit to about 100 degrees Fahrenheit. This temperaturerange is near normal body temperature and is, therefore, consideredoptimal for application to the external vaginal area. As such, in orderto ensure comfort, the user must determine whether the temperature ofthe water is in the 98-100 degree Fahrenheit range (step 36).

If the temperature gauge indicates that the water is the appropriatetemperature, the user may proceed to the next step in method 30.However, if the temperature gauge indicates that the water is either toocold or too hot, the user must adjust the water temperature by disposingof water and adding more lukewarm water until the desired temperature isattained. This is accomplished by repeating step 32 as many times asnecessary. For example, if the temperature gauge still has a boldappearance after the bottle is filled with water, additional warmerwater should be added. In contrast, if the temperature gauge appears asa faded image containing a faded alternative image superimposed on theinitial image, additional cooler water should be added.

After ensuring that the necessary amount of water has been added andthat it is the appropriate temperature, a pre-measured amount ofcleansing concentrate is added to the bottle (step 38). For convenience,the cleansing concentrate is provided in a single serve packet or othercontainer. The cleansing concentrate may be in either powered or liquidform and is pre-measured to be mixed with the pre-determined amount asindicated by the fill line on the bottle. After pouring the cleansingconcentrate into the bottle, a cap is coupled to the bottle (step 40).The cap may be designed to have both a closed configuration, whichprevents release of a liquid, and a closed configuration, which allowsfor release of a liquid. Prior to performing step 40, the cap should bepositioned in the closed configuration. The user should then shake thebottle until the concentrate is dissolved in the water to form acleansing liquid (step 42). In a preferred embodiment, the cleansingliquid has a pH of about 4.0 to about 5.0, which compliments the naturalchemistry of the external vaginal area.

Once the water and cleansing concentrate has been thoroughly mixed, thecap should be positioned in the open configuration to allow thecleansing liquid to be released (step 44). The user may then apply thecleansing liquid to the external vaginal area (step 46). The cleansingliquid may either be applied by tipping the bottle such that the liquidpours out of the cap or by applying pressure to the bottle such that theliquid is forcibly released as a spray. The cleansing liquid is applieduntil the external vaginal area is sufficiently cleansed and freshened(step 48).

Although the present invention has been described with reference topreferred embodiments, workers skilled in the art will recognize thatchanges may be made in form and detail without departing from the spiritand scope of the invention.

1. A portable bidet system comprising: a bottle configured to receive apredetermined amount of water; a temperature gauge located on the bottlewhich allows a user to assess a temperature of the water; a pre-measuredamount of cleansing concentrate which forms a cleansing liquid whenmixed with the water in the bottle; and a cap coupled to the bottle andincluding an opening to allow for release of the cleansing liquid. 2.The portable bidet system of claim 1 wherein the temperature gauge is animage comprised of thermochromic ink.
 3. The portable bidet system ofclaim 2 wherein the image changes in response to a change in thetemperature of the water.
 4. The portable bidet system of claim 3wherein the image has a bold appearance when the temperature of thewater is lower than about 98 degrees Fahrenheit.
 5. The portable bidetsystem of claim 4 wherein the image fades from the bold appearance toreveal a lighter alternative image when the temperature of the water isabout 98 degrees Fahrenheit to about 100 degrees Fahrenheit.
 6. Theportable bidet system of claim 5 wherein the image further fades fromthe lighter alternative image to a pale appearance when the temperatureof the water is higher than about 100 degrees Fahrenheit.
 7. Theportable bidet system of claim 1 wherein the bottle is configured toreceive about 8 ounces of water.
 8. The portable bidet system of claim 1wherein the cleansing concentrate is infused with a fragrance.
 9. Theportable bidet system of claim 1 wherein the cleansing liquid has a pHof about 4.0 to about 5.0.
 10. A method for cleansing an externalvaginal area, the method comprising: adding water to a bottle up to aspecified level of the bottle so that the bottle contains apredetermined amount of water; assessing a temperature of the waterusing a temperature gauge included on the bottle that indicates when thetemperature of the water is lower than about 98 degrees Fahrenheit,between about 98 degrees Fahrenheit and about 100 degrees Fahrenheit,and higher than about 100 degrees Fahrenheit; adjusting the temperatureof the water until the gauge indicates that the temperature is betweenabout 98 Fahrenheit and about 100 degrees Fahrenheit; adding apre-measured amount of cleansing concentrate to the water; coupling acap to the bottle; shaking the bottle until the cleansing concentrate isdissolved to form a cleansing liquid; and applying the cleansing liquidto the external vaginal area through an opening in the cap.
 11. Themethod of claim 10 wherein the temperature gauge is an image comprisedof thermochromic ink.
 12. The method of claim 11 wherein the imagechanges in response to a change in the temperature of the water.
 13. Themethod of claim 12 wherein the image has a bold appearance when thetemperature of the water is lower than about 98 degrees Fahrenheit. 14.The method of claim 13 wherein the image fades from the bold appearanceto reveal a lighter alternative image when the temperature of the wateris about 98 degrees Fahrenheit to about 100 degrees Fahrenheit.
 15. Themethod of claim 14 wherein the image further fades from the lighteralternative image to a pale appearance when the temperature of the wateris higher than about 100 degrees Fahrenheit.
 16. The method of claim 11wherein water is added to the level of the bottle defined by a shoulderof the bottle.
 17. The method of claim 11 wherein the cleansingconcentrate is infused with a fragrance.
 18. The method of claim 17wherein the fragrance is basil/pink grapefruit.
 19. The method of claim11 wherein an active ingredient in the cleansing concentrate is selectedfrom a group consisting of as avena sativa (oat) kernel extract, cucumissativus (cucumber) fruit extract, chamomile recutita (matricaria) flowerextract, rosa gallica flower extract (French rose), and aloe baradensisleaf extract (aloe vera) and combinations thereof.
 20. The method ofclaim 11 wherein the cleansing liquid has a pH of about 4.0 to about5.0.